Talking about the race to be Louisiana’s next governor. One Democrat rules running out, and that’s East Baton Rouge parish District attorney Hillar Moore. He’d likely be competing with DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson for the Democrat vote. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he’s not surprised at Moore’s decision to refrain from running, and feels that Wilson may be the Dems best chance at keeping the Governor’s Mansion…:

CUT 11(12)      “…to run.”

So far 8 candidates have announced for governor, but – at this time – Wilson is not one of them, though he is expected to make an announcement soon.

The Governor was at SOWELA in Lake Charles today to cut the ribbon on a new $11-million training facility for the gaming, hospitality and culinary trades. SOWELA Chancellor Neil Aspinwell says the facility is cutting edge…:

CUT 05(09)      “…break area.”

Another quick note on the 2023 Governor’s Race, USA Today reports that House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says he will enter the race, but only if Congressman Garret Graves decides not to run. Right now 5 republicans are announced candidates. Schexnayder would be the 6^th. He is term-limited in the House.

Despite a rough beginning for the strawberry growing season weather-wise, the current warming is speeding things up. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Thorington.”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore announces he’s not running governor. Moore, who is a registered Democrat, has served as Baton Rouge’s top prosecutor since 2008. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it appears now that DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson will likely be the lone major Democrat in the race to replace outgoing Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards…”

CUT 10(06)      “…Edwards did.”

LaSalle Parish school teacher Danny Cole also says he will run for governor as a Democrat. Wilson has not made an official announcement yet. He’s expected to sometime in March.

This spurt of warm weather ahead of spring has been a boon the state’s strawberry crop; causing something of a growth surge. Berry farmer Trey Harris says, now more than ever, get out and buy real Louisiana strawberries…:

CUT 08(09)      “…farmers left.”

Harris encourages everyone to also support the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival; coming April 14th through 16th.

In Lake Charles, a ribbon cutting was held today for a $10.8-million culinary, gaming and hospitality teaching center. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Foxx.”

The state’s capital is proclaimed among the USA’s most dangerous cities. The website “WalletHub.com” collected data on 180 American cities for safety, and found placed Baton Rouge at Number 5 of its Ten Most Dangerous list. Detroit, St. Louis and Fort Lauderdale were all found to be more dangerous.

Internet outages continue to hinder the campus of Southeastern University after an incident over the weekend. UL -System President Dr. Jim Henderson says the university and state police have identified the suspected cyber incident responsible for the outage…:

CUT 12(10)      “…right now.”

Staff and students are unable to use the school’s email, plus the system students and professors use to communicate and administer tests and assignments is down.

Grand Opening ceremonies today for SOWELA’s $10.8M state-of-the-art Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality Training Center in Lake Charles. Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall says hospitality accounts for over $18-billion in annual revenue, and there is plenty of demand for people…:

CUT 04(09)      “……a need.”

Funding for the facility was approved by Governor John Bel Edwards in 2018.

Police in Opelousas are investigating a homicide this morning outside a local gym. Officers says two men were arguing, and one shot the other; killing him. The suspect was taken into custody. So far the accused shooter and the victim have not been identified.

Despite a rough beginning for the strawberry growing season weather-wise, the current warming trend is speeding things up. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Thorington.”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore announces he’s not running for governor. Moore, who is a registered Democrat, has served as Baton Rouge’s top prosecutor since 2008. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Moore didn’t have much of a chance with DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson expected to get in…

Cut 9 (07) “…whatsoever.”

Wilson, a Black Democrat from Lafayette, is expected to officially enter the race next month.

As we approach the peak of strawberry season, Springfield strawberry farmer, Trey Harris says production is down from this time last year. But he says the current unseasonably warm temps are speeding things up. And while you might assume strawberry farmers welcome rain, Harris says too much water and fog at this point can affect the taste of strawberries.

Cut 7 (05)  “…like water.” 

He says there are only about 15 strawberry farmers left in Louisiana.

In his final year in office, Governor John Bel Edwards is once again asking Louisiana lawmakers to set a minimum wage higher than the federal rate of $7.25 per hour. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor John Bel Edwards wants to fulfill a campaign promise in his final year in office and that’s raising the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour….
cut 11 (09) “…this year”
But the Republican led Legislature has not supported previous efforts as business groups say it will not be good for our economy. But Edwards says it’s immoral to pay a person $7.25 an hour.

As we approach the peak of strawberry season, Springfield strawberry farmer, Trey Harris says production is down from this time last year. But he says the current unseasonably warm temps are speeding things up.
Cut 6 (12) “…berries right now.”
Harris says highs in the 80s and warm nights are causing a growth spurt.

State and local officials were on hand today for the grand opening of SOWELA’s $10.8M State-of-the-art Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality Training Center in Lake Charles. SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall says with three big casinos in Lake Charles a facility to train the workers is needed…
Cut 3 (10) “…hospitality center.”
The 28-thousand foot square building features a top of the line culinary kitchen, gaming tables and model hotel rooms.

Festival International de Louisiane announces the musical acts for its festival in Lafayette from April 26th to the 30th.. Marketing Director, Carly Viator says this year’s headliner includes Lafayette’s Lauren Daigle…
Cut 30 (10) “…zydeco groups.”
Exact dates and times for the various musical performers will be released next month.

Every year he’s been in office, Governor John Bel Edwards has asked legislators to set a minimum wage higher than the federal rate of $7.25 an hour. Edwards has been unsuccessful so far, but he’ll try again for his last year in office.  The governor has also put 33 million dollars in his proposed budget to fund a minimum wage increase for some 47 hundred state workers.

Cut 12 (11) “…ten dollars an hour.”

The session begins on April 10^th.

LSU Health New Orleans reports a majority of their post-op total knee replacement patients recovered just as well with Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medications versus opioids to control pain. Professor of Orthopedics Dr. Vinod Dasa (Va-node Dose-ah)…

Cut 13 (09) “…opioid group.” 

The Red Cross says they’ve installed 42,000 smoke alarms in Louisiana homes over the last nine years. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush says while the Red Cross is usually reactive to disasters the Home Fire Campaign allows them to be proactive in preventing home fire deaths.

Cut 8 (11)  “…27 lives.”

If you need a free smoke alarm visit SoundtheAlarm-dot org slash Louisiana.

The 37th annual Festival International de Louisiane will take over downtown Lafayette April 26-30. Marketing Director, Carly Viator says attendance growth adds the perfect ingredients for cultural tourism and economic development.

Cut 6 (09)  “…every year.” 

Lafayette native Lauren Daigle will headline the free event.

A minimum wage increase will be proposed by Governor John Bel Edwards in the upcoming legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Lafayette man has been sentenced to 90 days of home detention for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Acadiana native, Vaughn Gordon, plead guilty in September to one count of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Gordon was also given 90 hours of community service, three years probation, and $500 in restitution.

A recent study by LSU Health New Orleans found post-op total knee replacement patients showed pain relief using Tylenol was as effective as opioids. Professor of Orthopedics Dr. Vinod Dasa (Va-node Dose-ah) says adopting a way to manage side effects during post-op may be attainable.

Cut 15 (11)  “…really important.”

Organizers for Festival International de Louisiane announced musical acts set to perform at this year’s festival.  The celebration of cultures includes music, food, and art. Festival International de Louisiane, Marketing Director, Carly Viator says this year’s headliner includes Lafayette native Lauren Daigle and more than 60 artists from across the world.

Cut 5 (10) “…zydeco groups.”

Governor John Bel Edwards wants to fulfill a campaign promise his final year in office and that’s raising the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour….
cut 11 (09) “…this year”
But the Republican led Legislature has not supported previous efforts as business groups say it will not be good for our economy. But Edwards says it’s immoral to pay a person $7.25 an hour.

The Red Cross say it has hit its goal of installing two-point-five million smoke alarms since October 2014. It’s believed the campaign has saved nearly 30 lives in Louisiana. Ed Bush with the Red Cross says anyone in the need of a smoke detector can go to sound-the-alarm-dot-org slash Louisiana for a free alarm. He says they can also educate families about what to do in the case of a fire…
cut 9 (10) “….that side”

An LSU Health New Orleans study indicates the majority of their post-op total knee replacement patients recovered just as well with Tylenol and anti-inflammatories versus opioids. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Southeastern Louisiana continues to work on getting its computer system operational again after it was the target of a cyberattack. State Police is investigating the attack. LSU also reported internet outages yesterday, but the school says its issues are unrelated to the cyberattack at Southeastern.

Governor John Bel Edwards will once again support legislation in the upcoming legislative session to increase the minimum wage. Louisiana is one of 21 states that sets its minimum wage with the federal rate which is $7.25 an hour. Edwards says it’s past time to raise the minimum wage…
Cut 10 (09) “…2023″
Business groups have lobbied against previous legislation to increase the minimum wage.

The Red Cross says they’ve installed 2.5 million smoke alarms in Louisiana homes over the last nine years thus making one million homes safer in the Bayou State. Ed Bush with the Red Cross says it was 2014 when their Home Fire Campaign was launched.
Cut 7 (10) “…smoke alarm.”

LSU Health New Orleans doctors have developed a pain management strategy so opioids are not needed after total knee replacement surgery. Professor of Orthopedics Doctor Vinod Dasa (Va-node Dose-ah) says Tylenol and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used instead. Dasa says the surgery has also improved and the need for stronger pain relief has been reduced…
cut 14 (12) “….knee replacement”

Grammy award winning artist and Louisiana native Lauren Daigle will headline Festival International de Louisiane this year. Marketing Director Carly Viator says the festival runs from April 26th to the 30th….
cut 4 (09) “…years now”
Musicians from around the world play at the festival and a full schedule will be released next month.

Every year he’s been in office, Governor John Bel Edwards has urged legislators to set a minimum wage higher than the federal rate of $7.25 an hour. Edwards has been unsuccessful so far, but he’ll again push legislators to do pass a higher minimum wage bill this year. The governor has also put 33-million dollars in his proposed budget to fund a minimum wage increase for some 47-hundred state workers
Cut 12 (11) “…an hour”

LSU Health New Orleans reports a majority of their post-op total knee replacement patients recovered just as well with Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medications versus opioids to control pain. Professor of Orthopedics Dr. Vinod Dasa (Va-node Dose-ah)…
cut 13 (09) “…opioid group”

Festival International de Louisiane announces its 2023 musical lineup. Teiko Foxx has more on this big music festival in a couple of months…
Cut 1 (25) “…Teiko Foxx.”

Another warm day today, but there’s an enhanced risk for severe weather for most of the state on Thursday.